The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) announced Wednesday that it will stage exhibitions and special programs across all four of its branches—Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung and Cheongju—during the “2025 Korea Art Festival,” set for Sept. 1–10.

Coinciding with Frieze Seoul, Kiaf Seoul and seven major biennales nationwide, the festival will offer free admission at all MMCA venues throughout its 10-day run.

In Seoul, the museum will extend hours until 9 p.m. on Sept. 4 for the “Samcheong Night” gallery event. That evening, the museum courtyard will transform into the “MMCA Market,” an eco-friendly art fair featuring art books, crafts, agricultural products and food, alongside live DJ and music performances. Current exhibitions include a major retrospective of painter Kim Tschang-yeul, the annual Korea Artist Prize 2025 showcase, and the museum’s permanent collection highlights.

At the Deoksugung branch, the exhibition Landscapes of Homeland and Longing commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, bringing together more than 210 works by leading modern and contemporary figures including Oh Chi-ho, Lee Sang-beom, Lee Ung-no and Lee In-sung.

The Gwacheon branch is presenting Korean Modern and Contemporary Art I & II while also opening access to its Research Center, art library and outdoor sculpture park. On Sept. 5, artist Song Ye-hwan will lead a talk and performance tied to the Young Korean Artists 2025 exhibition. From Sept. 2–5, overseas curators and researchers will participate in a program focusing on Korean and Asian art.

In Cheongju, the museum is marking the 20th anniversary of the MMCA Art Bank with Revisiting the Future: Evolving Forms and Ideas. It will also present The Bunker: A Passage to Light in collaboration with the Cheongju Museum of Art.

“During this September art festival, which attracts the attention of artists from around the world, we will strive to convey the value and appeal of Korean art to visiting tourists, international artists and art professionals, and to make this a festival where domestic visitors can fully experience art culture,” said MMCA Director Kim Sung-hee.

Sayart / Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com